By NIKOLE JAVIER
It’s the year of the rookies in the UAAP Season 85 volleyball tournament.
Bacolod’s Angel Canino of the La Salle Lady Spikers and Josh Ybañez of the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers were named Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player winners in the women’s and men’s play, respectively, following their impressive debut in the UAAP.
Canino, who steered the Lady Spikers back to the finals, was only the second player to do the trick a year after National University Lady Bulldogs’ Bella Belen nabbed the same plum.
In the men’s play, the 19-year-old Ybañez claimed the rookie-MVP award since Ateneo’s Marck Espejo did it in Season 76.
The 19-year-old Canino was also named 2nd Best Outside Spiker while her teammate Jolina dela Cruz bagged the 1st Best Outside Spiker award.
Thea Gagate of La Salle and Niña Ytang of the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons were the 1st and 2nd Best Middle Blockers, respectively.
Meanwhile, Bernadette Pepito of the UST was awarded the Best Libero after lifting the Golden Tigresses to a Final Four finish this season, while Mars Alba of La Salle was named Best Setter.
Obed Mukaba of NU and Billie Anima were named Best Middle Blockers, while Jay Rack Dela Noche of UST was the Best Opposite Spiker.
On the other hand, Lance De Castro of Ateneo was hailed Best Libero, while Joshua Retamar was named Best Setter.
